What They’re Saying About James Neal

What They\u2019re Saying About James NealAfter the first-round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft concluded in Philadelphia Friday night, General Manager David Poile and Head Coach Peter Laviolette spoke about the Predators draft day trade for former Pittsburgh Penguin James Neal.

After the first-round of the 2014 NHL Entry Draft concluded in Philadelphia Friday night, General Manager David Poile and Head Coach Peter Laviolette spoke about the Predators draft day trade for former Pittsburgh Penguin James Neal.

General Manager David Poile

On what adding James Neal means to the team moving forward…With Peter Laviolette coaching our team, we’re going to be playing a different style. I think are moving in the right direction to get ourselves back in the playoffs and back competing for the Stanley Cup.

On Neal’s ability to perform with a top center …He’s got what we’re looking for. He’s got the speed, he’s got the shot, he scores goals, he produces and gets points.

Head Coach Peter Laviolette

On Neal’s effect on the team…I think David said it best, we got a top-flight player, and somebody who can play in a top-three position and really contribute on a power play. I think his release is excellent and to grab a guy like that who can put the puck in the net is really beneficial for our team.

On his conversation with James Neal…I think there is always a little bit of shock when a player gets traded and there is a change in organizations. I have seen a lot of him and know what he is capable of doing on the ice, so we’re excited in Nashville to get a player like that.

On Neal’s history with elite centers…I think we have some good players on our team and young players. Calle Jarnkrok, and Mike Fisher is a terrific player, Colin Wilson, Kevin Fiala, who we drafted today, and I think that when we get to training camp we will sort that out. We’re still looking at our lineup, and I think that if you just isolate it today, it’s an addition to our team as a top line left wing.